The only girl among four brothers, Aine is a neglected and lonely child. Perceptive, secretive, and constantly afraid, she is sensitive to the nuances of atmosphere and the secrets of others -- particularly those of her emotionally abused mother and aunt. Above all, she is drawn to the mysterious magnetism of Dunbeg, the rambling old castle on the coast of Ireland that her family uses as a holiday retreat. At the age of ten, at Dunbeg, she meets her American cousin Rupert for the first time.

One sunny afternoon, a childish act of disobedience changes her life forever, and the consequences of that day will follow her always. Also perpetually in her thoughts is the deep and lasting relationship forged with the only person who believes in her -- Rupert, who has returned to America. Despite her determination to leave behind all that oppressed her as a child, Aine grows up haunted -- by Dunbeg, the focus and source of her terror; and by thoughts of Rupert, the only person she has ever loved, who she meets again as an adult when he is now engaged to be married....

In this deeply passionate and page-turning new novel, Mary Ryan sensitively explores the complexities of relationships whose driving forces range from fear and control to forbidden love.